Is the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale good again???
I'm not sure, but there's a decent amount of stuff I own and love on sale at least.
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GREETINGS!! I’ve been in a shopping FRENZY and figured I would write a quick little Substack post for my fellow shoppers before everything sells out, the world ends, etc.
If you haven’t heard, there are a lot of sales happening this week. It’s Amazon Prime Day, which isn’t one day, but is now four days. It’s Target Circle Week. It’s Walmart Deals Week. It’s also the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. Not only that, but brands are having sales on their own sites as well.
I spent the last 10 years covering these sales for work, so if you’re wondering if any of them are worth shopping this year, I have thoughts.
Are all of these sales a scam?
I wouldn’t call them scams.
If you NEED stuff, like how I need bathing suits for my daughter who is growing like the weeds on my front lawn because I also need a landscaper, it’s always better to buy things when they’re on sale.
When you WANT something, and it goes down to a good price, and you have the money for it, it’s always good to get it during a sale.
If you choose to consume ONLY because you think something is at a great low price, that’s not a scam. That’s you making a bad decision lol.
It feels like every retailer is always having big sales, so it’s not very enticing anymore for people with spending money to buy a new vacuum or hair dryer in the middle of July just because. It’s also hard to know which deals—especially on Amazon—are actually good. Like were these items the same price a few weeks ago? And are you sure you’re getting the BEST price?
Shopping sales is like gambling. Will the price go down tomorrow? What about next week? Is there something similar at a different retailer that’s better and cheaper? And if you wait too long, will it sell out?
It’s literally so overwhelming to shop these days, which is why I no longer “shop sales.” I just try to buy good stuff at good prices.
Things I recommend that are on sale right now at Nordstrom
I can’t really afford to buy much of anything right now, BUT after two pregnancies and finally losing weight, I’m in desperate need of clothes. My kids are also in constant need of things, so the shopping never ends tbh.
I know people are very against these types of posts listing things on sale right now, and I get it. It’s TOO MUCH when everyone is throwing shirts and shoes and cardigans and bags that you don’t need in your face.
But the prices aren’t terrible on a lot of quality items at Nordstrom. And if you’re trying to buy quality stuff at a decent price that might be selling out elsewhere (or is already sold out elsewhere), there’s no point in ruling out shopping a sale just because you’re sick of all the influencers covering it.
So without further ado…
My top picks from (and thoughts on) this year’s Nordstrom Anniversary Sale!!
Early access to the sale started already, and it opens to the public on Saturday 7/12.
The Nordstrom sale—and store in general—used to be much better than it is now, but if you need or want stuff, it’s still a good time to shop. ESPECIALLY for baby stuff!!!!!!! Although it’s definitely gotten worse for baby stuff. And kid stuff too.
I used to cover this sale every year because I would shop all the deals on my own anyway. It never mattered to me if the deals were “crazy good” or “at their lowest prices ever.” It was more about getting new clothes, shoes, accessories, and whatever else at better prices than full prices.
This year, I went through everything on sale again and made some lists on my LTK (which you can see/follow here!):
I ONLY recommend things I own & love, things my family and friends own & love, brands I love, and stuff I’m buying—whether I can make money from linking to those things or not. If you buy something from my links, I might receive a commission, but I hope it’s worth it!
My top recs for THINGS I LOVE that happen to be on sale:
New Balance 327 Sneakers (Women) - $79.99 (Originally $99.99) - These sneakers are SO comfortable. I have them in a maroon/white color.
Hanky Panky Original Rise Lace Thong - $17.90 (Originally $24) — OR you can get 4 for $64, which is $16/each! My favorite underwear. I only buy them during these sales.
Zella Relaxed Washed 2.0 Long Sleeve Slub Tee - $29.99 (Originally $45) - I love this shirt and have it in multiple colors! It runs big.
Natori Pure Luxe Underwire T-Shirt Bra - $48.99 (Originally $74) - My favorite everyday bra.
Birkenstock Arizona Big Buckle Slide Sandal in Black/Gold - $109.99 (Originally $170) - I have these. Purchased full price with no regrets.
Moroccanoil Shampoo and Moroccanoil Conditioner - Both are $38 (Originally $54) - I use both of these and this is actually a pretty good discount.
Baboon to the Moon Go-Bag Duffle Small 40L - $132.99 (Originally $199) - This is a really great bag!!! It’s perfect for traveling because it’s both a backpack and a duffle bag. Highly recommend. I use mine all the time.
Nuna RAVA™ Flame Retardant–Free Convertible Car Seat - $509.99 (Originally $680) - I’ve bought all of our car seats during the Nordstrom sale. They don’t have the infant seat alone this year, though. It’s bundled with a stroller, which is the newer version of the one I have.
See Kai Run Kristin Sneaker - $34.99 (Originally $52) - I buy these only when they’re on sale! The shoes are really great.
A few things I bought (but will not necessarily keep):
Caslon Raglan Sleeve Roll Neck Wool & Cotton Sweater in Blue - $59.99 (Originally $89.50)
Vince Camuto Long Sleeve V-Neck Sweater in Espresso - $52.99 (Originally $72)
Wayf Taylor Short Sleeve Pointelle Polo Sweater in Ivory - $49.99 (Originally $67)
Open Edit Collared Rib Cardigan in Black - $52.99 (Originally $79.50)
Zella Studio Luxe V-Neck Racerback Sports Bra - $32.99 (Originally $49)
For everything else I recommend or bought, check out my LTK!
Other sales happening rn
Target!
Target is having Circle Week, so if you were going to buy stuff there soon anyway, it’s prob worth checking if there are any good deals for that stuff. For example, you can get a free $30 gift card when you spend $100 on select diapers & wipes.
Target has really came through with clothing for me lately, especially tops. A lot of them sold out, but my new fave red vest tank top is still available in some sizes—and it’s on sale for only $10!
I made a full list of clothes I own (for both me and my daughter!) that are on sale for Circle Week on my LTK here!
And none for you, Gretchen Weiners. Bye.
I’m sure there are other good sales going on. But I don’t really care because 1. I’m overwhelmed, 2. I need cheap!, and 3. I can’t with Amazon. Although I did buy two bathing suits for my 3.5 year old daughter that are on sale for Prime Day—this Carters suit and this Rufflebutts suit. That’s it though.
Leave good finds—on sale and not—in the comments!!!!!!! Help!
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This is THE first and only sale list I'm using! Mainly b/c I am on a quest for a good bra and have heard good things about Natori. Why oh why is it so damn hard to find a decent, comfortable, cute bra in 2025????